A total of 110 persons were affected by dengue from January to October 2 this year in Vellore district, according to Collector S.A. Raman. Round-the-clock fever wards have been established at the 13 government hospitals and Government Vellore Medical College Hospital (GVMCH), he said, according to a press release.
The district administration has engaged 1,350 workers to carry out mosquito control measures in 20 blocks, 16 town panchayats, 11 municipalities and Vellore Corporation, he said.
Apart from the 1,350 workers, an additional of 20 domestic breeding checkers have been appointed in the 20 blocks for mosquito control measures in the light of widespread rainfall in the district. In each block, these workers have been divided into six groups and will cover six panchayats a day.
Mr. Raman said that the domestic breeding checkers were also appointed in municipality and Corporation areas.
In each block, a rapid response team comprising a medical officer, a block-level health supervisor, a health inspector and two field staff has been formed to take preventive steps. The health inspectors along with domestic breeding checkers conduct house-to-house checks to see if these is any breeding of Aedes mosquitoes in sumps, barrels and other water storage containers
Plea to residents
Houseowners have been advised to cooperate with the staff and workers and to keep the water storage containers closed to prevent mosquito breeding. The Public Health Department is issuing notices to owners, who have been told about mosquito breeding in their houses on more than one occasion but failed to take appropriate measures, he said.
Medical camps were being held in areas where fever cases have been reported. Measures to create awareness on dengue, prevention of mosquito breeding and early identification of symptoms will be undertaken on every Thursday at places including schools, government offices, government hospitals, marriage halls and theatres. ‘Nilavembu Kudineer will also be given.
Persons have been advised to seek treatment at government hospitals on the first day of developing fever. They have been advised to keep away from getting injections or IV fluids or consuming high dose drugs as it could hide the danger signs. The symptoms of dengue include pain behind the eyes, stomach pain, bleeding from gums, persistent vomiting and reduction in platelet count.
The Collector said that adequate stock of medicines, IV fluids, oral rehydration solution and ‘Nilavembu Kudineer’ were available at all hospitals. Testing facilities were also available.
He added that the State government has announced that fever cases would be brought under complete control in two weeks. The action plan was being implemented in the district, and dengue was under control, he added.
